What to Know: 9 Packers on PUP List, Including Watson but No Bakhtiari

Training camp for the Green Bay Packers begins on Wednesday, July 27th, and with that, several roster moves have been made.

According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the Packers have placed nine players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list–including rookie Christian Watson.

Joining Watson on the PUP list is Robert Tonyan, Elgton Jenkins, Mason Crosby, Dean Lowry, Kylin Hill, Hauati Pututau, Randy Ramsey, and Patrick Taylor.

What you need to know about the nine Packers on the PUP list.

Once placed on the PUP list, the player can return at any time during training camp as long as they pass their physical. If a player begins the regular season on the PUP list, they will have to miss the first four games in 2022 before being eligible to return. If they are still unable to return at that point, they are then placed on IR.

We do not know why Watson is on that list, but Ross Uglem of Packer Report would report that it is expected to be a short stint.

These training camp reps are incredibly valuable for the rookie, who is still learning the playbook and will need to build his rapport with Aaron Rodgers. Many expect him to play an important role this season. With his speed, he can give the Packers a needed deep threat and could also fill that gadget role–getting him the ball quickly in space. Growing into a consistent target on third downs and in the red zone will go a long ways as well—although that may not happen immediately.

Meanwhile, Jenkins, Tonyan, and Hill beginning on the PUP list shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as all three continue to rehab from ACL injuries. The same can be said for Randy Ramsey, who missed all of last season with an ankle injury.

Andy Herman of Packer Report would also mention that both Lowry and Crosby were off to the side during minicamp, so while we don’t know the extent of their injuries, it’s not all that surprising that they are listed.

With Taylor and Pututau, like Watson, there is little insight as to why they are on the PUP list at this time.

As important as it is to discuss who is on the PUP list, it’s also important to note that David Bakhtiari isn’t on the list—although veterans don’t have to report until next week and additions can still be made. Bakhtiari was with the rehab group during offseason programs, again causing some concern about his status for training camp.

The return of Bakhtiari will not only solidify the left tackle position, but provide additional flexibility to the rest of the offensive line. A healthy offensive line and improved play will be the catalyst behind the Packers’ offensive success this season with a strong run game and giving Rodgers time in the pocket.

In addition to these nine players ending up on the PUP list, the Packers also placed Rasheed Walker, Caleb Jones, and Caliph Brice on the Non-Football Injury list as well.

Players placed on the NFI list suffered injuries from non-football activities, as the name suggests. They are able to return to action once they pass their physicals.

These players still count towards the Packers’ 90-man roster heading into training camp.